It’s been 10 years since Louise Hill, our COO, co-founded GoHenry after struggling to teach her children how to be smart with money in an increasingly cashless world. Following frequent chats with other parents about the cost of topping up iTunes and gaming accounts, Louise hit upon an idea to create a pocket money card and app which would empower young people with the freedom and confidence to earn, save and spend responsibly – and fully participate in the digital economy.
The company was named after our ‘have a go’ ethos (the ‘Go’ in our name) and our first customer, an 11 year-old boy called Henry – putting our community of kids and parents (literally) at the heart of everything we do.
So what better way to mark our 10th birthday than by celebrating ten of our GoHenry kids who are also hitting double digits this month.
“We’ve come a long way since 2012, and our mission – to make every kid smart with money – is now even more important than it was when we first launched,” says Louise. “We’re proud and excited to be leading a global movement with over two million members who firmly believe that being good with money is a vital life skill – and we couldn’t have achieved any of this without the support of our GoHenry community. So we’d like to wish a very happy birthday to everyone who is celebrating this month – especially those who are turning 10, just like GoHenry!”
Name: Teddy
How are you celebrating your 10th birthday?
“We’re going snorkelling in the largest tank at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, where we’ll be face-to-face with fish, sharks and Friday the turtle!”
Which gift is top of your birthday wishlist?
“Snorkelling equipment.”
Name: Poppy
How are you celebrating your 10th birthday?
“This year I’m going to reach double figures – I’m so excited! I always celebrate by going out for tea with my whole family, and this year I’m also going bowling with five of my friends. I absolutely love Strictly Come Dancing, so the week after my birthday I’m going to watch Aljaž and Janette’s Christmas Tour with my mum and nanna.”
Which gift is top of your birthday wishlist?
A puppy!
Name: Thomas
How are you celebrating your 10th birthday?
“With laser tag and cake! And best of all, my dad is coming home from deployment on my birthday!”
Which gift is top of your birthday wish list?
“My number one present is having my dad home! Apart from that, a remote-control car.”
Name: Milena
How are you celebrating your 10th birthday?
“I’m taking my sisters and friends to Laser Quest for games and mini golf, and then a meal at TGI Fridays. I’m also having a sleepover with a few friends and a shopping spree with my mummy and daddy.”
Which gift is top of your birthday wish list?
“An Instax camera.”
Name: Moon
How are you celebrating your 10th birthday?
“We’re going to Butlins, which is my favourite place in the world, and we’re also visiting Brighton because it’s the vegan capital of the UK. We’ve got tickets to the Shrek musical, too. This year is a big celebration as the day before my last birthday my sister became very unwell with a brain infection from Covid. She was sent to hospital five hours away, and so my mum and dad had to miss my birthday. So this year is going to be extra special - it’s going to be the perfect birthday!”
Which gift is top of your birthday wish list?
“A longboard skateboard.”
Name: Jessica
How are you celebrating your 10th birthday?
“My mum and dad have hired a local hall so that 12 of my friends can come to my Harry Potter-themed party. Mum has arranged lots of activities including an escape room, and my grandma is making me a cake based on Honeydukes, the legendary wizarding sweet shop from Harry Potter.”
Which gift is top of your birthday wish list?
“Harry Potter Lego sets.”
Name: Alfie
How are you celebrating your 10th birthday?
“I’m going to have a joint birthday party in late November with my friend Holly, whose birthday is in December. On my actual birthday we’ll have a double celebration as my daddy is finally coming home from hospital! He’s been there since May, so it will be a very special birthday for me to celebrate with my mummy, daddy and hopefully my nannan.”
Which gift is top of your birthday list?
“My dad coming home from hospital.”
Name: Elsie
How are you celebrating your 10th birthday?
“Just before I reach double digits I’ll be in Italy competing in the 12th WUFK European Karate Championship. Hopefully I’ll be successful in my categories, so I’ll probably be resting by the time my birthday comes around!”
Which gift is top of your birthday wish list?
“Nike Air Max 270 trainers.”
Name: Mylo
How are you celebrating your 10th birthday?
“For my first double digits birthday I’m going to invite some friends to Jimmy’s Farm (the famous one in Suffolk that was on TV a few years ago). We’re going to meet and feed the animals with the farm’s ranger, then we’ll build dens in the woodland and have a cake that my mummy is going to bake. I just can’t wait! Happy 10th birthday to you GoHenry! I hope you have a great time celebrating with all your team!”
Which gift is top of your birthday wish list?
“LEGO and art supplies.”
Name: Alexa
How are you celebrating your 10th birthday?
“I’m having a roller disco party. I’ve invited 20 friends to come and celebrate with me – we’ll be having pizza and lots of cake!”
Which gift is top of your birthday wish list?
“A new saddle for my horse, Chilli.”
Related articles:
Meet Henry – our first customer
Family and friends can gift using Giftlinks
The GoHenry guide to... giving great gifts
How will you celebrate Giving Tuesday?
